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hi all i need some advice i have a 2002 pennine sterling  but seem to have a problem with the canvas side of the trailer tent it seems to be srinking is this normal ? i carnt pull it down to connect to the velcro part of the tent its prob about inch or so to short ?? i have been court up in some heavy rain and wind the last couple of times ive been out in it including north wales this weekend that was fun lol so i got it  today to dry it out and i have  this problem any ideas what could be wrong could it just be that it needs to dry out ??

thx brad

We had this problem with our Sterling manufactured in 2000. Gradually over a period the canvas shrank, to the point that we could not fit it correctly even on the minimum pole setting. 

Eventually the problem became so difficult we had the cabin canvas replaced by Tent Valeting services, specifying the cut to be slightly oversize.

Clearly this is not the ideal solution and I sought other peoples views on the issue. General opinion seems to be that you should always try to let the canvas dry out with the maximum possible tension when saturated.

It doesn't seem to be a very widespread problem. Perhaps the canvas used by Pennine at the time was more susceptible to shrinkage, or the cut was not perfect.

I'd be interested in hearing of any other cases of shrinkage and of possible solutions. I have heard of one dealer who hangs 4.5 Kg gas cylinders from the canvas to stretch it but I'm not sure of his technique to attach them!

Ian

thx for all your replys well ive left it all day and like josey30 said to my suprise its back to normal but now its got me thinking (dangerous )  when i was away it is fine on dry days but in heavy rain  it sometimes pops of the velcro with a bit of help from the wind because the water seems to soak it up and srink  but doesn't leak inside mmmm but now dry again all good ... i know canvas is naturally water tight but should it be soaking up water to that degree ??? its 10 years old now  is it time for fabsil??? has any 1 got any thoughts on this

thx brad